“When I was formally diagnosed with bipolar disorder, I was relieved, but my classmates didn’t know how to treat me.

They would call me crazy, or push me away, or talk about me behind my back. I was very lonely and I punished myself for it.”

Claire Griffiths is a mental health activist and actor. Claire was diagnosed with bipolar disorder when she was 13 and began using her voice to speak out on tough topics. Some of Claire’s accomplishments include speaking at a conference on capitol hill, the keynote speaker at two charity galas, and the keynote speaker at a corporate fundraising luncheon for Sharp Mesa Vista Psychiatric Hospital. She has even met with state legislators to talk about upcoming bills.

Claire is currently an ambassador for the International Bipolar Foundation, and The Quell Foundation. She also attends Miracosta Community College.

From hospitalizations to missing a year of high school, Claire shares her story and shines a light on the realities of mental illness, and the dangers of stigma.